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2A Polk County Itemizer-Observer • February 25, 2015
Polk County News
Wine-Down back for encore
Falls City attorney search continues
Event expands
to Monmouth
for Saturday’s
tour of towns
FALLS CITY — The committee assigned to review candidates
wanting to become Falls City’s next city attorney has begun
work this week.
Candidate proposals were due Friday and four firms applied
for the post, vacant since former city attorney Lane Shetterly re-
signed in December.
The committee, comprised of two city councilors, Mayor Terry
Ungricht and Interim City Manager Jon Hanken, was appointed
Feb. 12. It hopes to have a recommendation to the full city
council at its meeting on March 12.
The goal is to have a new attorney on the job in April.
By Emily Mentzer
The Itemizer-Observer
MONMOUTH/INDEPEN-
DENCE — Stroll through two
Main Streets and take a wine
tour simultaneously Satur-
day at the Wine-Down
Downtown event, sponsored
by the Oregon State Univer-
sity Enactus club.
Last year’s event through
Independence went so well,
club members decided to
bring it back to the area, this
time including Monmouth
in the tour.
Usually, the club, which
focuses on making positive
societal change, moves the
Wine-Down event from
town to town.
“We really like Independ-
ence,” said club member
and event coordinator Cody
Stover. “We like how it looks,
the historic buildings and
the shops are tucked away.
That was the look we wanted
for Wine-Down.”
Both participants and
businesses were very recep-
tive to club members pour-
ing wine at various stops in
town, Stover added.
“It’s cozy,” said Kiersten
Kreusser, club member and
event coordinator. “All the
participants were really nice,
and that makes a big differ-
ence.”
This year, the event kicks
off Saturday at 3 p.m. at 2EZ
Café in Independence. A
trolley will cart people from
Independence to Mon-
mouth. Each city has five
businesses participating,
ranging from bars and
restaurants to a bookstore
and flower shop.
Wine-Down is more than
a chance to sample Oregon
wines, Stover said.
“It’s to promote shopping
local, supporting mom-and-
pop stores, and creating
awareness of the different
stores around here,” he said.
NEWS IN BRIEF
Legislator plans Thursday town hall
EMILY MENTZER/ Itemizer-Observer
Cody Stover and Kiersten Kreusser will toast the towns of Independence and Monmouth
during Saturday’s Wine-Down Downtown wine walk, sponsored by OSU Enactus.
Wine and a Walk
What: Wine-Down Downtown Monmouth-Independence,
presented by Oregon State University Enactus club.
When: Saturday, 3 to 7 p.m.
Where: The wine walk starts at 2EZ Café in Independence,
211 S. Main St.
Admission: $19 in advance; $26 at the door; $15 for stu-
dents; free for youth under 21. Purchase at participating busi-
nesses or online.
Who’s participating: 2EZ Café, Second Chance Books, Ar-
tisan Treasures, Lionshare Coffeehouse and Bakery, Mangiare
Restaurant, Rick’s Place Coffeehouse, Yeasty Beasty, Petals &
Vines, Main St. Pub and Eatery, and Crush Wine Bar.
Of note: A portion of tickets sold will benefit the
Willamette Valley Assistance Program.
For more information: Find the event on Facebook.
“Sometimes when you drive
by, you don’t really know ex-
actly what’s here unless you
actually walk around and
take the time.”
Enactus clubs are interna-
tional social change organi-
zations, Stover said. OSU’s
We are a locally family owned metal
roofing & siding manufacturer.
We still believe in value with quality.
“Thanks to all that stopped by our booth last
week at the Polk Home & Garden Show!”
Oregon rain will
be here soon.
Are you ready
for it?
Have a shed or
barn that needs
to be covered
immediately?
Recycle this newspaper.
chapter is filled with busi-
ness students, entrepreneurs
who want to make tangible
positive changes for small
businesses.
“At (last year’s) event, we
definitely heard a lot of peo-
ple say, ‘Wow, I never knew
this was here,’” Stover said.
“It opened people’s eyes to
businesses.”
“It boosts word of mouth,”
Kreusser added. “It kind of
makes you realize what you
have in your town and never
checked it out before.”
The ultimate goal would
be to save some Monmouth
and Independence residents
a trip to a box store in Salem
— getting them to think
about supporting their
neighbors’ businesses in-
stead.
“This group is focused on
making community, real-
world change,” Stover said.
“Going into small-town busi-
ness sectors that could al-
ways use a little amp-up in
sales.”
This year’s event is open to
minors — those younger
than 21 — when accompa-
nied by someone older than
21. They may tour the busi-
nesses and enjoy the appe-
tizers, just not the wine.
INDEPENDENCE — State Rep. Paul Evans
will host his “Welcome to Session” Town Hall
on Thursday from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Inde-
pendence Public Library, 175 Monmouth St.
As the legislative session has just com-
menced, this will be an opportunity for
Evans to meet with the citizens of Polk Coun-
ty and to introduce the recent accomplish-
ments in Salem. Specifically, Evans will dis-
cuss the progress made concerning policies
Evans
surrounding both class action lawsuits and
equal pay. Additionally, he will address future priority issues.
This forum is an opportunity to learn, listen and for Evans to
hear any questions or concerns you may have. Refreshments
will be served.
For more information: 503-986-1420.
Job hunting workshop slated Friday
MONMOUTH — Are you or someone you know job hunting
and in need of a little help?
The Monmouth Public Library is hosting Goodwill Job Con-
nections, which will offer a free job hunting assistance class, Fri-
day at 4 p.m. at the library, 168 Ecols St. S.
Need help filling out an application? Want assistance creating
a resume? Not sure who to use for job references? You can get
help with these and other questions.
Admission is free and the class is open to anyone.
For more information: Monmouth Public Library, 503-838-
1932.
Dallas nonprofit recipient of grant
DALLAS — A Gift of Time of Oregon, a Dallas-based respite
care organization, has received a $2,500 donation from the
Siletz Tribal Charitable Contribution Fund.
The mission of A Gift of Time of Oregon, a local nonprofit, is
to provide a break offering education, self-renewal, supportive
friendships and relaxation for non-professional family caregivers
and relatives-as-parents.
The Siletz Tribe donated more than $118,000 to 45 nonprofit
organizations during a Feb. 6 quarterly fund distribution. The
next deadline to submit applications for grants is March 18. In-
formation on applications and requirements is available online
at ctsi.nsn.us/charitable-contribution-fund, or by calling Rose
Williams at 1-800-922-1399, ext. 1227.
New bar and grill open in Monmouth
MONMOUTH — A ribbon cutting to welcome the newest
business to Monmouth, The Gym Bar & Grill, will be held Thurs-
day at 5 p.m. at 423 Main St. E. in downtown Monmouth.
The event is hosted by the Monmouth-Independence Cham-
ber of Commerce, the city of Monmouth and the Monmouth
Business Association.
Food and beverage specials will be available, and the public
is welcome.
For more information: Monmouth-Independence Chamber of
Commerce, 503-838-4268.